Yuseikan

I stopped in for a day bath around noon, and there was one other guest. I wondered if I'd been here about 20 years ago, and seeing the bath inside made me sure I had. It's a small inn, but very clean. Since it was cold, the front desk staff warned me the open-air bath might be lukewarm. It had a heater over it, though, so I could use it without any trouble. The indoor area has one heated tub, another at normal temperature, and the outdoor bath. I relaxed in them for just under an hour. I'd come again if I get the chance.

The game meat, horse sashimi, and grilled bracts with miso were delicious. There are two indoor baths and one outdoor bath, with sodium-rich spring water. It's way up in the mountains, so winter travel would be tough without studless tires. A roadside station and convenience store are less than 10 minutes away by car. They don't provide amenities, so bring at least lotion and other essentials.

We came for the Shinshu cooking and hot springs at Mori no Yado Yuseikan, and the autumn-colored mountains made a lovely backdrop. The inn blends into the greenery of Urugi Village, Nagano Prefecture. Since they cook over an open hearth, we chose the Seiro Irori course. The steamed Shinshu beef was tender and full of flavor, and the seasonal pumpkin and sweet potato were surprisingly sweet. Our favorite robatayaki item was amago trout, crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. We finished with gohei mochi made from mashed rice shaped like a straw sandal, served with homemade miso. The texture is different from mochi, and the slightly sweet miso made me eat too much. There was also wild boar hotpot, Shinshu salmon sashimi, and horse sashimi. The garden-like open-air bath sits among trees, and the bright fall leaves added to its charm. I hear the winter snow scenery is beautiful too. At night the lights are dimmed so you can see the stars. My son and husband apparently enjoyed looking at them while bathing. The simple hot spring is suitable for everyone from children to seniors, and the women's outdoor bath has a gazebo where you can rest. The indoor bath is spacious and relaxing. I found it so comfortable I stayed in it all night and morning. It wasn't flashy or luxurious, just a comforting place where I could properly relax and feel refreshed. The photos of the large public bath and open-air bath were taken outside business hours with permission.

Bathed on November 30, 2025. After camping for the day at Iwakura Dam Campground, I stopped in for a day visit. Since it's a ryokan bath, I went during dinner to avoid crossing paths with other guests, and pretty much had it to myself. The building feels a little old, but it's kept up well and nothing stood out as a problem. I'd hoped for the thick, velvety water you get around Minami Shinshu, but this felt average. It wasn't bad, just a bit disappointing after I set my expectations high, so three stars from me. There was a shed at one corner of the parking lot with friendly goats inside. They came over when I approached and let me pet them. So cute, highly recommend! 🐐